Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 175A near Rio Linda, CA — 2008-05-02

Final reportLAX08LA128
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Date
2008-05-02
Location
Rio Linda, CA, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 175A
Registration
N7059E
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power due to detonation. Contributing to the accident was trees in the landing area.

NTSB narrative

The pilot and owner of the airplane reported that during cruise flight, the engine partially lost power followed by several backfires. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude at the reduced power setting, and initiated a forced landing to a gravel road. During the landing roll on the gravel road, the left and right wings struck trees located on the edge of the road, resulting in structural damage to both wings. The owner of the airplane reported that during disassembly of the engine, the number four cylinder exhibited "signs of detonation." The number four piston head was "eaten away" to the top ring land. No additional anomalies were noted with the engine. The underlying reason for the detonation was undetermined.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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